Mardi Gras, literally translated to mean “Fat Tuesday”, represents eating fattier foods the night before Lenten season. In the United States, the cultural festival includes wearing masks, costumes, dancing, parades, music, and beads. But here at 8,150 feet, New Orleans meets Vail in a Mardi Gras fusion of snow, skis, and snowboards. Throw on the beads and bring your party face while you find powder stashes and hit the jumps.
Get some food in your belly with the World’s Highest Low-Country Crawfish Boil at Eagle’s Nest at noon on February 6, complete with crawfish, gumbo, king cake, and beer specials. While you’re refueling to make some more turns on the mountain enjoy the live entertainment by Johnny Schleper and Friends. Be sure to check out the after-dark entertainment throughout Vail to keep the party going. The next day don’t leave your Mardis Gras apparel and beads at home because it’s time to dance it out to DJ Jon Nedza while munching on lunchtime gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets at Mardis Gras at Mid-Vail.
Burn off the tasty Southern food back on the mountain on Monday and then head down to town for Cajun apres and after-dark parties. Once you’re done shredding on Tuesday, head down to Vail Village for the Bud Light Street Party. Check out the Fat Tuesday Parade at 4pm travelling from Meadow Drive at Solaris out through Vail Village, and watch the official crowning of the CarniVAIL King and Queen and the winner of the Float Competition. Dress up in Mardi Gras apparel and beads and dance out to the MarchFourth Marching Band for some New Orleans-style fun! This is a family fun event to compliment your once in a lifetime ski vacation, so come out and enjoy the festivities!!
Amber Boutwell is a published Denver photographer who loves capturing nature and food. She shoots with natural light but has a deep love for dark skies. When she’s not on mountaintops chasing the Milky Way, she’s managing the great brands behind AVA and The Outlaw Group as their Marketing Manager. She’s been known to quote Joe Pesci, over-kiss cats, enthusiastically eat cheese, and return pugs.
Her motto:
“Seek out places where the Wi-Fi is weak, the views are stunning, and don’t forget the snacks.”
